The Alsum Story
The Alsum story began from five decades ago in a 600 square foot potato shed, with one man, Glenn Alsum, one vision, and a work ethic framed by dedication and service. Today, there are 350,000 square feet of sheds and production space, almost 325 full-time and seasonal employees, and 200,000,000 pounds of potatoes produced annually and that doesn’t include onions, pumpkins and other fresh produce that are distributed to grocery stores and warehouse retailers across the country.
We pack under the Alsum Farms & Produce brand plus many national brands and customer labels. Alsum offers a wide variety of packaging options from 12 ounces up to 50-pound packs; and in poly, mesh, paper or cartons all from one shed.
And that work ethic? It’s still framed by dedication, a commitment to service, and a belief in providing a field-to-fork, vertically integrated business approach that incorporates growing and harvesting, production, packaging, and distribution, all under the umbrella of unrelenting quality.
As time ticks by, the mission, vision and values haven’t changed, although the generations of leadership have. Since 1981, Larry Alsum has been at the helm of Alsum Farms & Produce, with his daughters, Wendy Alsum-Dykstra and Heidi Alsum-Randall, poised to take over when Larry, who’s been in agriculture his entire life, retires.
Vertical integration is key.
Wendy and Heidi both agree that the vertical integration is a true differentiator for Alsum. Along with the 3,000 acres of land they own and cultivate, which accounts for half of their potato and pumpkin output, the company works with partner farmers to pack and distribute Alsum’s remaining produce inventory which strengthens the supply chain for all stakeholders and eliminates the risk of dependency on a single supply chain resource.
Field-to-Fork has significant implications.
In the end, the gravity of the entire situation is not lost on the Alsum family, their employees, and their partners. They all understand that field-to-fork is a phrase with significant implications. In an effort to feed American families the fresh produce they need, the Alsum team can’t miss a beat in growing, harvesting, packing and shipping to many of the nation’s largest retailers like Aldi, COSTCO, Hy-Vee, Meijer, Piggly Wiggly, Walmart, Woodman’s, Whole Foods, and dozens of others.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
Always improving. Always serving. Always winning together. Exceeding expectations every day.
Our Vision
To be a national leader in the fresh produce industry.
Our Values
Integrity
We have an uncompromising commitment to do what is right and conduct our business with respect, honesty, fairness, and value in all that we do.
Accountability
We accept responsibility for the work we do and strive for continuous improvement and growth.
Excellence
We achieve the highest possible level of quality for the produce we grow and market and the service we provide.
Stewardship
We devote our resources to the sustainability of the environment for current and future generations.
Servant Leadership
We care, serve, and extend ourselves to meet the needs and contribute to the success of our associates, customers, suppliers, and the community.
Alsum Farms & Produce History
